Assistive Technology: Successfully Helping Students with Disabilities

Assistive technology plays a significant role for students with disabilities.  For Susanna Sweeney - Martina (2005), a sophomore at the University of Washington, assistive technology (AT) is, in fact, “the major foundation of my life.  Without it, I cannot exist where I am today.”  Born with cerebral palsy, Susanna is one of many students with disabilities who actively depend on assistive technology, not only as an educational aid, but in everyday life.  That is why schools must offer these essential educational tools and therefore, be implemented in the classroom.  Further, technology has dramatically influenced our everyday life.

According to Microsoft (2015), "There are many assistive technology products that are designed for individuals who have physical or cognitive difficulties, impairments, and disabilities."  One example would be the voice - activated software program mentioned in the video.  By using this sophisticated software, this educational tool provides an opportunity to give those individuals a voice, metaphorically speaking.  For individuals with physical impairments, alternative input devices such as joysticks and touchscreens enables them to move across the computer screen.  Assistive technology not only provides educational assistance, but also shows them, they are not limited by their disability to fully function properly.  Disabled students are only lacking the accommodations to provide for their disability.  We just need to think logistically, which assistive technology is best for a student to work with given such specific needs and requirements.

Last year, I attended Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) for a discussion which was held at the university campus.  Mrs. Carla Torres, the GSAT program coordinator, discussed the many tools provided by GSAT.  Surrounded by glass enclosed shelves, they displaying different technology devices meant for different disabilities. I remember Mrs. Torres discussing the funding required if a disabled person had to buy a certain device because the high - tech tools can be costly. However, they were also simple tools offered, such as the ergonomic devices, which surprisingly, were rather, inexpensive.  I learned not all assistive technology are high - tech tools but something as simple as a pencil inside a golf ball will help an individual with fine motor skill issues, grip the pencil effortlessly. These tools are greatly used to help disabled people perform successfully in the workforce, at home, or even providing vehicle modifications for mobility purposes.

Watching the How Assistive Technology Enables Dreams video, has made me aware as a future teacher.  I now know what to expect and what I should be prepared for.  Seeing the students use different devices has shown me what devices are out there and how they can benefit me in teaching my own students with disabilities.  I hope I teach in a supportive school that will provide the necessary tools in my classroom for all of my students to succeed in life.  I do not want to see my students failing in lessons because they lacked the resources that was necessary to help in their process of learning.

In conclusion, assistive technology has benefited students with disabilities by the way they communicate, learn, play, and so much more. As technology is constantly developing, also, assistive technology is rapidly developing. As teachers, we must encourage and support the students that need assistive technology. Indeed, it is truly amazing to see a student overcome their challenges and accomplish great things others take for granted. All students should have the ability to succeed in life, equally.

Reference

Ken Ellis (producer/ director). 2005, How Assistive Technology Enables Dreams [Video file]. United States: The George Lucas Educational Foundation.

Microsoft. (2015). Types of assistive technology products. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/enable/at/types.aspx